Visitor Visa Australia (Subclass 600)
The Visitor visa (subclass 600) is for temporary travel to Australia, including tourism, visiting family or friends, and certain short-term business visitor activities.
The appropriate stream depends on the purpose of travel, the applicant's location, personal circumstances and immigration history. An applicant must be able to show that the proposed visit is genuine and temporary, that they can support themselves during the visit, and that they will comply with the conditions of the visa.
Genuine visitor requirement
A central part of a Visitor visa application is satisfying the Department of Home Affairs that the applicant is a genuine visitor. This means the applicant intends to stay in Australia temporarily and for a purpose that is consistent with the stream and conditions of the visa sought.
This assessment is not based on one document alone. The application is considered as a whole and may include the purpose and duration of travel, employment and financial circumstances, family circumstances, commitments outside Australia, previous travel and immigration history.
Main Visitor visa streams
Subclass 600 contains several streams. For many applicants, the following three are the most relevant.
Tourism and family visits
For holidays, tourism, cruises, and visits to family or friends. Formal sponsorship is not normally required in this stream.
Visiting family with formal sponsorship
For applicants visiting family in Australia with the formal sponsorship of an eligible family member.
Short-term business visits
For eligible short-term business activities such as negotiations, exploring business opportunities, conferences and trade events.
Tourist stream
The Tourist stream is generally used for holidays, tourism, cruises and visiting family or friends in Australia.
For an application made outside Australia, the applicant must generally be outside Australia when applying and when the visa is decided. The Tourist stream does not provide work rights. Depending on the circumstances, a stay of up to 12 months may be granted.
An applicant in the Tourist stream may provide an invitation from family or friends without the inviting person becoming a formal sponsor under the Sponsored Family stream.
Sponsored Family stream
This stream is intended for people visiting eligible family members in Australia and requires a formal sponsor. It is different from simply providing an invitation letter in a Tourist stream application.
A sponsor will generally need to be an Australian citizen or permanent resident, at least 18 years of age, settled in Australia, and in an eligible family relationship with the visa applicant.
Each visitor must make a separate visa application. In some cases, the Department may also request a security bond.
Business Visitor stream
This stream is for eligible short-term business visitor activities and is not a work visa.
Short-term business activity
- Making general business or employment enquiries
- Negotiating a business contract
- Investigating, entering into or reviewing a business contract
- Activities carried out as part of an official government visit
- Participating in a conference, trade fair or seminar where permitted
Activities not permitted
A Business Visitor visa holder cannot work for, or provide services to, a business or organisation based in Australia, or sell goods or services directly to the public.
Documents and application evidence
The evidence should be selected according to the applicant's actual circumstances and purpose of travel. A larger volume of documents does not necessarily make an application stronger; the documents should present a clear and consistent picture of the proposed visit.
A Visitor visa does not permit work in Australia. Study or training of up to three months may be permitted in relevant circumstances. If study is the main purpose of travel, a Student visa may be more appropriate.
The period of stay, number of entries and other visa conditions are stated in the visa grant notice. The Department may grant a shorter period of stay than the period requested.
Typical application process
Determine whether the purpose of travel is best suited to the Tourist, Sponsored Family or Business Visitor stream.
Prepare the forms, identity documents, financial evidence and documents supporting the purpose of travel, then lodge through ImmiAccount.
The Department may request further documents, biometrics, health examinations or other information before making a decision.
Visa cost and processing time
The visa application charge depends on the stream, where the application is lodged and the applicant's circumstances. Visa charges can change, so the current amount should be checked immediately before lodgement.
Processing times are not fixed. Published processing information is a guide based on recently finalised applications and does not guarantee how long an individual application will take.
Official Visitor visa information — Department of Home Affairs
Important questions about the Visitor visa
Is a tourist visa the same as the Visitor visa (subclass 600)?
Can I work in Australia on a Visitor visa?
Can I study on a Visitor visa?
Does an invitation letter guarantee that the visa will be granted?
For visiting family, should I use the Tourist stream or Sponsored Family stream?
How long can I stay in Australia on subclass 600?
Can all family members be included in one Visitor visa application?
Can I apply again after a previous visa refusal?
Reviewed by a Registered Migration Agent
Mohammad Reza AzimiFor a Visitor visa application, selecting the correct stream, providing evidence that matches the purpose of travel, and clearly addressing the applicant's personal circumstances and temporary intention can be important to the assessment of the application.
